NPR Keeps Going Over Cliff on Hegseth Story As Other Media Pours Even More Cold Water Over It

I reported yesterday on the NPR story claiming the White House had begun the process of looking for a new Secretary of Defense. The story appeared to be based on one source, whom they described as a "U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly."

However, both White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and President Donald Trump himself shot it down. Even the Rapid Response X account shot it down.

I wrote about Trump's remarks at the Easter Egg Roll, where he ripped it to shreds, saying Hegseth was doing a great job and even bringing recruitment up.

Leavitt straight up called it "fake news."

This ⁦@NPR⁩ story is total FAKE NEWS based on one anonymous source who clearly has no idea what they are talking about.

As the President said this morning, he stands strongly behind ⁦@SecDef⁩. https://t.co/5Npig8968v
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) April 21, 2025

She said the story was based on "one anonymous source who clearly has no idea what they are talking about," and said Trump stands strongly behind the SecDef.

But even after that, NPR was doubling down on Tuesday morning, according to Marc Caputo of Axios.

I can’t find one White House official, including some at the highest levels, who confirm the NPR report that the admin has started looking to replace Hegseth

NPR is doubling down this morning

Here’s how it’s previewed on the car display to listeners of the Miami affiliate https://t.co/XfFiJtGTmm pic.twitter.com/WiOCzOpXV8
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) April 22, 2025

Caputo, who has good sources, said he couldn't find anyone who would confirm this story, and he posted how NPR was putting out the story through its Miami affiliate.

He said it runs contrary to his discussions with two White House officials and a senior adviser. Not to mention, "It’s also contrary to my general understanding of Trump."

There’s a report that the WH is looking for a new defense secretary —but it runs contrary to my discussions with 2 WH officials today & a senior adviser

It’s also contrary to my general understanding of Trump

Update: @PressSec said it’s fugaze

Told ya so https://t.co/1s9aBKDgXt pic.twitter.com/NJ5Pcc5PV2
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) April 21, 2025

But they still have it on their front page.

pic.twitter.com/xnGEUf8NIU
— Nickarama (@nickaramaOG) April 22, 2025

They have no "report" or any indication in the headline that the story has been refuted; they simply state it as a fact. They do note the refutation by Leavitt and Trump in the body of the story. But if the audience just sees what Caputo saw, they think it's a fact.

It sort of tells you everything you need to know. I think the president trumps an anonymous source. And why do they get federal funding again? This story prompted more calls on X to defund them.

Anonymous source is doing an awful lot of heavy lifting here, and we've seen its work before.

It sounds like someone wants to wish this into reality and believes that if they keep stoking it enough, they'll make it happen.

But it didn't sound on Monday like Trump was going to be stampeded on it.

Editor's Note: Thanks to President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership, the warrior ethos is coming back to America's military.

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